Ban Plastic Bags in California to Save Sea Turtles

The ocean is polluted by plastic waste from the growing use of disposable plastic items in our modern society. Single-use carryout plastic bags contain toxic chemicals. When they pollute the ocean they are ingested by sea turtles, whales, seabirds and fishes with harmful, and sometimes fatal, consequences.

California Senator Alex Padilla has introduced a bill, SB 405, to restrict stores from giving out single-use carryout bags, specifically plastic bags and bags not made of recycled content. This action would effectively reduce the amount of plastic waste in California that could become litter in the ocean.

Pacific leatherback sea turtles are declining towards extinction and rely on clean, plastic-free feeding areas offshore of California for their continued survival. At their current rate of decline, they could be extinct in 20 years. Scientists have determined over 35% of leatherback sea turtles contain ingested plastic. The Pacific leatherback is now California's official marine reptile and was granted over 16,000 square miles of protected critical habitat offshore for feeding on jellyfish.

Californians have honored the leatherback sea turtle and must now take action to protect its critical habitat feeding area by supporting SB 405. Please sign and share this call to action with friends, family, and all your contacts in California!

Not a California resident? Please click here to sign in support of the effort on our general petition, which will be delivered at strategic times to show nation-wide support.

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